The American Legion & Special Olympics

The American Legion Resolution

• RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 17-18, 2007, That The American Legion adopt Special Olympics as a national children and youth project and participate in their programs to assist in providing year-round sports training and athletic competition to millions of children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the United States and around the world; and, be it finally

• RESOLVED, That The American Legion urge all its Posts, Districts and Departments to work with and support the Special Olympics programs in whatever capacity that they so choose to increase quality of life opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

What is Special Olympics?What is Special Olympics?

The Mission:To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community

A Global Movement

North America 544,581

North America 544,581

Latin America 243,319

Latin America 243,319

Africa 81,884Africa 81,884

Asia Pacific 467,128

Asia Pacific 467,128

Middle East

N. Africa 111,424

Middle East

N. Africa 111,424

Europe/Eurasia 426,063

Europe/Eurasia 426,063

East Asia 660,014

East Asia 660,014

Serving over 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities

in more than 180 countries.

Serving over 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities

in more than 180 countries.

•Fast Growing:• 1 million athletes in 2001• 2.5 Million today• 3 Million by 2010

•Important – Changing lives, attitudes and influencing policy

•Transformative – Challenging stigmas and destroying prejudices

•Unifying – Bridging chasms that divide us as a society.

“The sun never sets on the

Special Olympics movement”

Structure & Making Connections

Special Olympics, Inc.

Special Olympics

North America

Special Olympics

U.S. Program (52)

Area Program Area Program Area Program

Local Program Local Program Local Program

The American Legion

National HQ

Departments

District District District

Post Post Post

Connecting with Special Olympics

Special Olympics U.S. Programs Program Locator

www.specialolympics.org

Select: “find a location”

Who to connect with?

The CEO (Executive Director, President) or the senior most “Program” or “Development” staff member

Partnership Opportunities

Volunteer or Donate (Time & Dollars):

• Coach a team

• Manage a venue or tournament

• Prepare and provide a meal

• Donate funds

• Invite a Global Messenger to your next meeting – they will be able to give you location specific requests

• We need your help to create more opportunities! Please share information so that we can share opportunities and increase the number of connections!